ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023: Finals
Stadium: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
9 July 2023
Sri Lanka and the Netherlands are going head to head against each other at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on 9th July. This is what it comes down to the top two teams will go head to head in the final of the tournament. Both the teams have qualified for the World Cup scheduled later this year. Who will win this game?
Claim Your Welcome Bonus!Sri Lanka
Despite failing to qualify for the main event through the Super League, Sri Lanka entered the Qualifiers as one of the favourites and has lived up to the expectations of their fans. The team has displayed clinical performances, remaining undefeated throughout the group stage and the Super Sixes, currently sitting proudly at the top of the points table.
In their final match, Sri Lanka will aim to conclude their campaign on a high note by defeating the Netherlands.
At the top of the order, Patthum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunatw have been exceptional. They rank among the top three run-scorers in the tournament and will strive to continue their impressive form. Nissanka, in particular, has been in outstanding form, scoring consecutive centuries in the last two matches. The middle order comprises of Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Kusal Mendis.
The top-order batsmen have been in such remarkable form that the lower-order batsmen haven't had significant contributions thus far. However, they remain prepared to step up if the situation demands.Maheesh Theekshan had a slow start to the tournament, but has regained his form and has been performing brilliantly in recent matches and will be a key bowler for Sri Lanka. He took 4 wickets in the last game against West Indies.
He will receive support from Dushan Hemantha and Sahan Arachchige in the spin department. Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka will lead the pace attack, with Dasun Shanaka providing valuable contributions during the middle overs.
Sri Lanka Predicted Lineup
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
Netherlands
Placed in the challenging Group A, the Netherlands showcased impressive performances to defeat strong opponents like the West Indies, securing their place in the Super Sixes with an advantageous position. In the Super Sixes stage, they engaged in a fierce battle with Scotland for the second spot and demonstrated composure to emerge victorious in a crucial encounter, finishing in second place on the table.
For the Netherlands, Vikramjit Singh and Max O'Dowd will take charge of the opening batting duties. Although they have shown glimpses of good form, the team will rely on them to provide a solid start in this match. Similarly, middle-order batsmen Wesley Baressi and Teja Nidamanuru have struggled for consistency.
In the previous match, Bas De Leede delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a brilliant century and also claiming a five-wicket haul, playing a pivotal role in guiding his team to success. Skipper Scott Edwards has led by example, registering four half-centuries in six outings and will be a key player for the Netherlands in this match.
Shifting focus to the bowling department, Bas De Leede has demonstrated consistency with his medium-paced deliveries and currently leads the Netherlands' wicket-taking charts. He has received valuable support from Logan van Beek, and the duo will aim to make early breakthroughs against the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
However, the spinners, including Aryan Dutt and Saqib Zulfiqar, have encountered challenges in picking up wickets, and their effectiveness has been somewhat limited.
Netherlands Predicted Lineup
Vikramjit Singh, Max ODowd, Wesley Barresi, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Bas de Leede, Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek, Teja Nidamanuru, Ryan Klein, Aryan Dutt, Clayton Floyd
Expert betting tips
The Harare Sports Club pitch provides favorable conditions for batting and has witnessed several high-scoring matches in this tournament. On average, teams tend to score around 270 runs in the first innings at this venue. Initially, the faster bowlers can exploit some movement, but as the game progresses, the pitch becomes more settled. The spinners will play a significant role in the latter stages of the match. As for the weather, it is forecasted to be clear with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, ensuring favorable playing conditions throughout the game.. Sri Lanka has not lost a game in this tournament and we expect that to be that way.